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The name of a tomato variety alone can tell a lot about the ideas that its creators, breeders, have invested in it. Canopus is one of the largest and most significant stars in the sky, which is the second brightest of all stars visible from Earth after Sirius (not counting, of course, the Sun). Tomato Canopus, judging by its characteristics in the description of the variety, also occupies far from the last place in the seemingly endless world of tomatoes in its diversity.
This tomato is able to interest both experienced farmers, due to its yield indicators, and beginner gardeners due to its unpretentious care and resistance to many diseases and pests.
Variety description
The Canopus tomato variety was born about 20 years ago thanks to the efforts of breeders from the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, which is administered by the Siberian Branch of the Academy of Sciences. Scientists from the research center of this institute have developed many interesting varieties of vegetables and, above all, tomatoes, which are particularly resistant to the vagaries of the weather and various manifestations of pathogenic organisms.
Since the Canopus variety comes from Siberia, more precisely, from Novosibirsk, it is most suitable for growing in the difficult conditions of the Siberian summer, as well as for all regions with similar climatic conditions. However, in other regions of Our Country, the Canopus tomato was also appreciated and is grown with pleasure both in greenhouse conditions and in ordinary beds in the open field.
By the way, this tomato variety was registered in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of Our Country back in 2000 and recommended for cultivation throughout the country in open ground conditions.
Seeds of the Canopus variety are found on sale or directly from the manufacturer (SIBNIIRS) or in packages of seed companies located mainly beyond the Urals – Altai Seeds, Ural Summer Resident, Agros, Plasma Seeds.
Canopus tomato plants are determinant because they have limited growth. When grown outdoors, they do not need to be pinched or shaped.
A garter may be necessary, since, as a rule, a very large number of tomatoes are tied on the bushes and, under their weight, the bushes can fall to the ground and even break. In addition, tying branches, and sometimes fruits, often makes harvesting much easier. But with a large number of bushes in industrial cultivation, it is possible to do without a garter. In this case, the tomatoes may have to be harvested directly from the ground.
Canopus tomato bushes are relatively compact in size, reaching only 50-60 cm in height. Therefore, they can be easily planted on the beds at the earliest possible time, covering them with arcs with any non-woven material or film in the first few weeks.
Bushes of the Canopus variety have an average leafiness and branching. Leaves of a traditional form for tomatoes, dark green color.
A simple inflorescence is formed only after 7-8 leaves, subsequently they are laid either through one or two leaves.
If we talk about the ripening time, then the Canopus variety belongs to mid-ripening tomatoes – the vegetative period, starting from the moment full shoots appear, is approximately 115-120 days.
In terms of yield, the Canopus tomato rightfully belongs to the champions in the tomato world. No wonder this variety quickly attracted the attention of farmers and those who are trying to grow tomatoes primarily for sale. On average, the yield per square meter is 3-3,5 kg of commercial quality tomatoes. But with good care, the same amount of fruit can be obtained from one bush, and up to 5-6 kg of excellent quality tomatoes are harvested per square meter.
The Canopus variety, in addition, is distinguished by genetic immunity to the tobacco mosaic virus and good resistance to late blight and various kinds of bacterial spotting. According to the experience and feedback of cultivation, various pests from the world of insects also bypass it.
And, of course, a tomato variety of Siberian selection should relatively easily withstand various kinds of natural disasters, which is quite true for the Canopus tomato.
Characteristics of tomatoes
Tomato Canopus, according to its characteristics of tomatoes declared by the originator, belongs to a relatively rare type – it has oblong or almost oval fruits of rather large sizes. True, the shape of the fruit can vary greatly in different growing conditions. The very first or largest tomatoes on the bushes often have a more traditional flattened shape. The smooth surface of the fruit may change and become slightly wrinkled at the base of the stem.
Most often, the average fruit size is small, the weight of one tomato can vary from 110 to 180 grams. But when using special growing techniques (forming into one stem, constant pinching and, of course, providing the maximum amount of sunlight and plenty of food), you can get fruits from these tomatoes weighing up to 400 grams, or even more, each.
The color of Canopus tomatoes at the stage of technical maturity is green with a pronounced dark green spot in the region of the stalk. Fully ripened tomatoes are bright red in color.
Each tomato has more than 4 seed nests, the skin is quite dense, the pulp is elastic, fleshy, with sufficient juice content.
Canopus tomatoes are distinguished by good taste characteristics, some are completely delighted with them, others consider them ordinary and even sour. In any case, the taste, as well as the size of the fruit, is largely dependent on the growing conditions and the quantity and quality of the applied nutrients.
By appointment, Canopus tomatoes are of a universal type. They are good for salads in the summer, they make wonderful tomato products, such as ketchup, adjika, juice. And due to the relatively small size of most of the fruits, they are great for pickles and marinades.
Advantages and disadvantages
Most gardeners appreciate the following positive characteristics:
- High yield of bushes.
- Possibly large fruits.
- Unpretentiousness in cultivation, including good fruit set in conditions of insufficient moisture.
- Resistance to a wide range of diseases and other adverse factors.
- Presentation of tomatoes, the possibility of their long-term storage and transportation.
You can not ignore the possible disadvantages of Canopus tomatoes:
- Not the best taste and aroma of tomatoes – most gardeners use them mainly for processing.
Testimonials from truck drivers
Gardeners leave somewhat conflicting reviews about the Canopus tomato, which may indicate either the facts of sorting, or that the quality characteristics of tomatoes are still highly dependent on growing conditions.
Conclusion
Canopus tomatoes are able to take their rightful place in any collection, since unpretentiousness and disease resistance are well combined with high yields.
